nurse shark

noun

: any of various usually bottom-dwelling sharks (family Ginglymostomatidae) with barbels near the nostrils
especially : a large yellowish to grayish brown shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) of warm usually shallow coastal waters that is typically nonaggressive and rests often in groups on the sea floor during the day

Examples of nurse shark in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But there’s plenty more for wildlife enthusiasts to watch for, from brahminy kites to nurse sharks. Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2024 On Florida’s Gulf Coast, find sharks at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa and one nurse shark at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2024 Theater of the Sea in Islamorada offers a unique encounter with nurse sharks, offering guests the chance to feed, pet and hold the sea creatures in a saltwater lagoon for $125 per person. Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2024 Both casual and seasoned snorkelers can observe snook, snapper, sheepshead, nurse sharks, red sponges, and more marine life. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for nurse shark 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nurse shark.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of nusse

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nurse shark was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near nurse shark

Cite this Entry

“Nurse shark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nurse%20shark. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

nurse shark

noun
: a shark of warm waters that is active at night

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